Updated : 2025-11-26 22:28:40 KST
We begin with South Korea's latest space project. In about five hours from now, the country's domestic Nuri rocket is heading back into space, for the fourth time, for its newest mission. We head over to the launch site straight away, where our Park Kun-woo is standing by. Hello there, Kun-woo. Kun-woo, you've been down in Goheung-gun County since yesterday.
--------------
How are the conditions on the ground at this hour? Conditions are generally fine at the moment, except that it's getting colder and colder. Still, compared to yesterday when we had strong winds and passing rain, it's definitely much more suitable conditions for the launch. If you take a look at the map, Goheung-gun County and especially the Naro Space Center, where I'm currently, is located at the very southern part of mainland South Korea, surrounded by ocean on multiple sides. That geography means the area often experiences strong winds.
---------------
So, if the average wind speed reaches 15 meters per second or if wind gusts exceed 21 meters per second, all operations will immediately be halted, as gusts could affect how the rocket is positioned, which would disrupt its planned flight trajectory. So we have to hope it doesn't go beyond the limit, as the 2nd Nuri mission had a one-day postponement due to strong winds. There are also temperature limits the vehicle must withstand, which are between minus 10 and 35 degrees Celsius. Fortunately, that's not a concern for this time of year in Goheung.
---------------
As for the forecast, some rain accompanied by gusty winds is expected, but again, fortunately, this is likely to occur after the scheduled launch window at around 1 AM, so it's unlikely to affect the mission. Good to know, Kun-woo . So, how are the preparations for the planned launch proceeding? At the moment, most procedures remain on track. The installation of the Nuri rocket on the launch pad was done at around 11 AM today.
-----------------
That's the same for connecting the rocket to the umbilical system, which supplies fuel and oxidizer, along with additional check-ups to ensure there are no blockages or leaks in the system. Also, today, there will be a comprehensive inspection focusing mainly on the fueling system and electrical components. The actual loading of fuel and oxidizer will begin four hours prior to liftoff. As of now, the estimated launch window is between 12:54 and 1:14 AM on Thursday.
---------------
umbilical (탯줄로 이어진 것처럼) 밀접한 관계의[에 있는]
oxidizer 산화
launch window (로켓·우주선 등의) 발사 가능 시간대(帶)
----------------
The exact launch time will be finalized at 8:15 PM; that's in just a few minutes, as the launch management committee finishes reviewing the weather conditions, the possibility of collision with space objects, and the overall readiness of the rocket, which started at 7:30 PM. There are also backup dates running through December 4th, in case of bad weather conditions.
---------------
backup dates 대체 날짜
----------------
Alongside, safety measures are also taking place with police and military personnel on duty near the space center. 27 large security ships have also been dispatched. Security will be especially strengthened starting two hours prior to liftoff through 10 minutes after. Hopefully, the weather will be okay in time for the launch. Meanwhile, Kun-woo, what are some of the more notable aspects of this particular mission?
--------------
Alongside …와 함께, …와 동시에
liftoff (로켓 등의) 수직 이륙, 발진, 발사 (순간)
---------------
First of all, this will be its first nighttime launch, providing ideal conditions for the main satellite to observe natural light displays, or "auroras." That's in fact why the launch is held during that time, as it is the most suitable for the main satellite to reach the orbit for perfect aurora observation. The mission's main satellite, along with 12 additional satellites, up from the seven carried in the previous launch two and a half years ago, is set to be deployed into orbit.
-----------------
The goal is to reach an altitude of 600 kilometers, with an error range of about 6 percent, while the primary measure of success will be whether the main satellite reaches its designated orbit. The estimated flight time is a little over 21 minutes, and the Korea AeroSpace Administration will announce the results about an hour and 20 minutes after liftoff. And as manufacturing of this fourth vehicle was led entirely by the private company Hanwha Aerospace, this can mark a major milestone in the transfer of technology and a broader shift toward a private sector-driven launch system.
----------------
altitude 높이, 고도
----------------
And one last tip for our viewers here in the country. If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the liftoff, some of the best viewing spots include the Space Observatory in Goheung. It offers free admission tonight, but just limited to 200 guests. Another popular area is Yeosu, the city next to Goheung, where Korea's fastest trains run through. With nearby islands including Sado and Nangdo, Yeosu also offers some prime spots for watching the rocket soar into the night sky. That's all I have for you now. Dami. All right, Kun-woo, thanks for the latest on Thursday's launch of South Korea's Nuri space rocket.
================
영어 원문 출처 및 동영상 링크;
arirang news/IT/Science
https://m.arirang.com/news/view?id=289772